I really struggle in January. It's dark, it's cold. It feels like there's an expectation to be a completely different person, you're bombarded with people sharing new goals, new habits, the TV is full of gym and diet adverts. This year, even more than usual, the world is on actual fire. It's exhausting on an extreme level.
And for ADHD and AuDHDers, winter can be especially challenging. Shorter days, less sunlight, and the natural pull to hibernate can make it harder to summon the energy for big, ambitious plans. And let’s be honest - many of us already have a tendency to want to do all the things all at once, no matter the time of year.
For me, learning how to slow down has been something that I've had to do in order to keep going.
I'm sure most of us have heard the fable about the hare and the tortoise, where the slow, steady tortoise wins the race. But for most of my life, I’ve been the hare - constantly on the go, having the get everywhere as fast as posible, but burning out before I could reach the finish line.
My AuDHD brain is full of ideas, and I want to explore all of them, all at once. But as I’ve come to understand myself better, I’ve realised I need to be more intentional about how I use my energy.
Here are some questions I’ve been reflecting on:
- What gives me purpose?
- What do I genuinely enjoy about my work?
- How can I align what I do every day with what brings me joy and supports me financially?
- And most importantly, how do I use my limited energy in ways that serve me best?
What I’ve discovered is that success isn’t about climbing the fastest or doing the most. For me, it’s about creating what works for me, things that align with my strengths, my needs, and my joy.
And honestly, it's not always easy. Sometimes, I'm beyond frustrated that I can't just work in the way that I used to. I can't just make spontaneous plans. And when I do step outside my comfort zone to do something new, I need days or weeks to recover. There are times when it feels like I’m taking a step backwards.
But I also know that what I’ve gained is really valuable. When I slow down, I’m able to appreciate the things that matter most. I know when burnout is approaching and can support myself through harder times. I'm kind to myself. I’ve found ways to focus on one thing at a time - to purposefully be the tortoise, pacing myself and moving steadily towards what I need. And I try not to beat myself up for being a work in progress.
If, like me, you feel those pressures and frustrations, pausing to reflect can be helpful. What do you need? What energises you? And how can you make your work and life feel fulfilling without burning out?
Sometimes, slowing down isn’t a step backwards. It’s exactly what we need to move forwards in a way that feels sustainable and aligned with who we really are.
You don’t have to do all the things, all the time. One step at a time, one focus at a time can help you to get where you need to be in the way that's right for you.
Work with me
At the end of December, I told myself that in January, I'd create a new coaching offer, some workshops and a group coaching programme alongside a whole marketing plan, a training course and my day to day coaching work. I mean, I don't know what I was thinking, that was obviously way too much.
However, in the spirit of doing one thing at a time, I have done one thing which is to create a new single session coaching offer to help you to do one thing.
'Do One Thing' is a one off 90 minute coaching session (with breaks!) to help you work through something you’re stuck on in your career, through a gentle, neuro-affirming lens, of course.
This is a brilliant option if you’re looking for coaching around things like:
Looking for a new job
Pivoting your career
Help making a decision
Talking through something you’re stuck on at work
Identifying a specific strategy around an executive function issue like communication, planning or task management
Identifying and asking for accommodations at work
Practical support with writing your CV or interview skills
You’ll leave with a clear, personalised, actionable, ADHD/AuDHD friendly plan and I’ll also check in with two further follow up emails to support with accountability.
You can find all the details and booking links below.
Other ways to connect with me
For more of my personal story, AuDHD coaching toolkit resources and a round up of recent blog posts, join my newsletter community. I post once or twice per month and it's one of my favourite places to share more about what I do. You'll always be the first to hear about new coaching offers, programmes and workshops.